An invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine is something of a rite of passage for NFL draft prospects, and for most of the 300-plus players invited to the 2015 event, a cause for celebration. Two players, however, declined the opportunity.
Wisconsin tight end Sam Arneson declined for health reasons, and Texas A&M offensive lineman Garrett Gramling informed combine organizers that he no longer wanted to play football.
Arneson's decision was certainly no surprise. He indicated after the Badgers' 34-31 overtime win over Auburn in the Outback Bowl that his playing days were done.
"That was my last game," he said, according to merrillfotonews.com. "It's a combination of injuries and such, and what's right for me. I've had knee troubles since high school and I had a concussion. I didn't play in the second half of the Big Ten championship game. It's time for me. For my future, it's what's right for me."
Gramling played both guard positions for the Aggies last year, his first as a full-time starter.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.